So you decided to play FFXI and if you're not careful you'll probably get yourself into a whole mess of trouble. The thing about playing an online game like this is that you either have good manners or the other players will start to resent you. These are things that I learned from playing the beta under the nick of "Shadowcat" (no relation to any comic book characters) and hanging around the retail PC players. I've also learned that some of this has occurred on the North American launch as the Japanese players came to resent the total idiocy of a large group of American newbies. This ensued in something I term as "Stupid Newbie syndrome" where a block of established players clashes with a large group of newbies that has just come into the game. To prevent more of this upon the North American PS2 launch I'm writing this FAQ just for you. You can always find the latest version of this FAQ on my FF page at http://jfinal.rpghideout.com. 

Part 1: getting started-

First off you have to choose your system. Having the PC edition does not necessarily mean the game will look better or play any different. (Actually the sky looked a bit washed out on my PC beta but I'm not too sure if it is the same now as there's been a lot of updates.) There is virtually no difference between the two versions and PS2 and PC players play on the same servers. Also around are the Japanese players, and they can be a bit hard to communicate with so be nice.

1.1 System Requirements-

*Note all prices are estimates based on the suggested retail prices of these items as of 1/14/04.

1.1.1 PS2 edition:
A PS2 (of course, but a lot of us have these)-$170

Sony's Network Adapter- $30-$40

FFXI Gil with the HDD- $99

USB Keyboard- $7-$30 (this is required for chatting on the PS2[no USB headsets here!], and personally I recommend the Sharkboard or the Powerboard. Both are great basic full sized USB Keyboards that can be gotten for very little on Ebay.)

USB mouse (optional)- $15-$25 (I've found this is only useful if you plan on playing lots of Tetra Master on POL)

1.1.2 PC Edition: *Note- I'm putting Square Enix's stats down here. I'm also adding an accessory I feel most of you will need.